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Ben Simmons has championship aspirations after 1st All-Star selection

Ben Simmons was the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year, and that was the first individual accolade of his career. On Thursday, Simmons achieved another milestone, earning his first All-Star selection and becoming the first Australian player to be selected for the All-Star game.

Simmons, 22, will be a reserve in the game. Per ESPN, he told reporters Thursday before the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Golden State Warriors that he was happy and grateful about the selection. But he also mentioned he has greater desires on his mind.

Simmons wanting more shows how he’s determined to help the Sixers be among the top of the Eastern Conference for years to come.

The Sixers have taken a leap this season after making the playoffs last season for the first time since 2012. Simmons has continued to develop his game as a point guard, as he’s averaging 16.8 points per game, 9.5 rebounds per game and 8.1 assists. Along with Simmons’ growth, Joel Embiid has had an MVP-caliber season; he’s averaging a career-high 27.2 points per game and 13.4 rebounds per game.

Jimmy Butler was traded to the Sixers from the Minnesota Timberwolves in November, and he has helped the team. In 30 games with the team, Butler has averaged 18.6 points per game on 47.5 percent shooting.

The Sixers (34-18) are third in the East, and they have won seven of their last nine. If the Sixers can compete among the East’s top teams like the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, then Simmons has a chance to achieve what he’s dreamed about.